A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged for setting his home on fire early Thursday morning.
- Homeowner arrested for setting house on fire
- Johnny Durden charged with first-degree arson
- Durden sustained injuries from fire
Officials said Johnny Dale Durden poured a gallon of gasoline on the porch area of his home and ignited it with an open flame, causing a major fire.
Tampa Fire Rescue responded to 2006 E Fairbanks Ave. just before 5 a.m., and found a single story structure fully involved. Officials said neighbors were evacuated and firefighters were able to get the flames under control by 5:26 a.m.
Heat and smoke caused damage to the structure and the rear exterior walls and roof collapsed, officials said.
A witness at the scene said they saw Durden leaving the house with the flames behind him. Durden was arrested on scene and charged with first-degree arson.
He was then transported to a local hospital for evaluation of injuries sustained at the scene.
No other injuries were reported. Officials said the damage is estimated at $33,000.